Theologians You Should Know: An Introduction: From the Apostolic Fathers to the 21st Century

“Today, evangelical Christians too often read the Bible as if it had just dropped out of heaven, with little or no appreciation of church history. Michael Reeves offers a good corrective to this with his very readable introduction to many of the key figures and works of the early church.”

“Someone has suggested that history only repeats itself because no one bothered to listen the first time around. Reeves invites us to listen to our Christian history and to learn from it, telling the stories with energy and humor. He introduces us to great thinkers who faced questions and problems uncannily like our own, and who found answers in the Scriptures that we would do well to reflect on. This is an important and wonderfully written book that every thoughtful Christian will enjoy and will benefit greatly from.”

“This fascinating volume covers the massive influence of great thinkers, apologists, and death wish martyrs, like food for wild beasts Ignatius, the courageous alleged murderer and black dwarf Athanasius, and the friendly giant Aquinas, all of whom faced the challenges we face. Reeves breathes life into dead men, with historical writing thats about as good as it getsfull of interest, burningly relevant, and totally scintillating. Christians need to rediscover their roots, if only to prevent them from poisoning the churchs new shoots with ancient heresies. Ignorance is not bliss. Let Reeves tell you why.”

“What a marvelous introduction to the greatest giants of the faith! Michael Reeves has done us a tremendous service by pulling back the curtain of the past and throwing open the window of history to allow, as C. S. Lewis so felicitously put it, the clean sea breeze of the centuries to blow through our minds. From Irenaeus to Barth and Athanasius to Packer, theyre all herea treasure trove of wisdom and insight!”

“Among our great cloud of witnesses are monumental theologiansAugustine, Calvin, Edwards, and morewho have plumbed the depths of Gods truth, that we might know God better. Theologians You Should Know reintroduces these figures in a fresh, incisive, and authoritative manner.”

“Historical theology is the study of the formulation of doctrine from the church of the past. As such, it provides a storehouse of wisdom, a wonderful legacy handed down from earlier theologians to the church today. Though hundreds of theologians contributed to this legacy, Michael Reeves introduces us to the theologians you should know. It is one of the best introductions to historical theology and its purveyors that exists!”